KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Government’s strategic review of the Child Development Agency (CDA) will ensure that children receive services to meet their particular needs.

State minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, said a reorganisation of the residential care system is needed in order to deliver the best support for children, including those with special needs.

He was speaking at the Quarterly Performance Meeting of the CDA, held on Thursday at the Alhambra Inn, St Andrew.

Green first announced the ministry’s intention to undertake the review, to strengthen the services provided for children in State care, during a meeting with the CDA’s senior management team in March.

The review will also look at how funds are allocated to children’s homes. Under the existing system, homes are paid a subvention based on the number of children they have under care.

The State minister questioned whether this is the best way of utilising resources, as there are some children, who may require more support than others.

“We need to start looking at homes to see if they have special competencies and place our children in facilities that are proficient to provide particular care, so that resources can be allocated around that model,” he said.

The review is expected to be completed by December, in time for the next Budget.

The State Minister said that while the Government continues to provide for children in State care, private entities and individuals also have a role to play.

The CDA provides for the medical, educational, and developmental needs of children living in residential childcare facilities.

It manages eight government facilities, while providing oversight and financial assistance to more than 40 private homes.